WHILE I accept that the current drop-off arrangements for cruise-ship visitors pose various problems, I am disappointed with the proposed solution (Dorset Echo story 20th May).

READ MORE: 'New cruise ship passengers drop-off point at North Quay'

Regrettably, any other drop-off point in Weymouth isn’t such an attractive proposition, with Brewers Quay being such a good curtain-raiser to what beckons beyond.

It’s quaint, it’s part of the land train route, it passes some historic landmarks, it’s a good starting point for The Nothe Fort and gardens, it gives an instant overall picture of what visitors can expect.

First impressions are important and I feel that arriving at the new temporary North Quay car park isn’t as inviting (though, of course, Dorset Council will relish the income).

It also adds additional traffic to the lower section of Boot Hill which seems like one of the original problems being shifted elsewhere.

I wonder whether other options have been fully investigated?

For instance, one of the objectors’ complaints has been the noisy buses emitting harmful fumes; I happen to agree that the ageing fleet of buses leave a lot to be desired.

READ MORE: 'Traffic chaos as cruise ship passengers picked up'

The main bus/coach operator engaged by Portland Port appears to be locally-based Damory, part of the GoAhead group which is one of the largest bus/coach groups in the country.

Excelsior is part of this group and also Poole-based More Bus and with the most up-to-date fleet of buses around - very quiet, mostly electrically powered and so environmentally-friendly.

I wonder whether the company as a whole has been approached about integrating some of these temporarily - a much smarter fleet for our much-valued cruise-ship visitors (who continue to spend a lot of money at a lot of our local shops and eateries).

One other thought concerning the use of the new ‘temporary’ North Quay car park; it is temporary, for three years only we are told, so what is the plan thereafter?

I assume those in power are already thinking about this, just as Portland Port continue to look further scheduling and expanding the lucrative cruise-ship programme.

Dave Johnston

Newberry Road, Weymouth